The Young Myocardial Infarction Study of the Western Indians: YOUTH Registry

Background

Myocardial infarction is among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in young adults around the world.

Clinical Impact of the Polypill for Cardiovascular Prevention in Latin America: A Consensus Statement of the Inter-American Society of Cardiology

The burden of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is increasing, particularly in low-middle-income countries such as most of Latin America. This region presents specific socioeconomic characteristics, generating a high incidence of CVD despite efforts to control the problem. A consensus statement has been developed by Inter-American Society of Cardiology with the aim of answering some important questions related to CVD in this region and the role of the polypill in cardiovascular (CV) prevention as an intervention to address these issues. A multidisciplinary team composed of Latin American experts in the prevention of CVD was convened by the Inter-American Society of Cardiology and participated in the process and the formulation of statements. To characterize the prevailing situation in Latin American countries, we describe the most significant CV risk factors in the region. The barriers that impair the use of CV essential medications are also reviewed. The role of therapeutic adherence in CV prevention and how the polypill emerges as an effective strategy for optimizing adherence, accessibility, and affordability in the treatment of CVDs are discussed in detail. Clinical scenarios in which the polypill could represent an effective intervention in primary and secondary CV prevention are described. This initiative is expected to help professionals involved in the management of CVD and public health policymakers develop optimal strategies for the management of CVDs.     

Association Between Perceived Neighborhood Characteristics and Carotid Artery Intima-Media Thickness: Cross-Sectional Results From the ELSA-Brasil Study

BackgroundLiving in a neighborhood with a low socioeconomic context may increase the risk of coronary heart disease. However, few studies have explored the impact of neighborhood characteristics on subclinical atherosclerosis, and their role as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease has not yet been studied in poor countries.ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the association between perceived neighborhood characteristics and subclinical atherosclerosis in a large sample of adults, using cross-sectional data from the ELSA-Brasil (Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health).MethodsParticipants free of clinical coronary artery disease answered a questionnaire designed to assess their perceptions regarding 6 neighborhood dimensions: social cohesion, walkability, availability of healthy food, safety, witnessed violence, and personal victimization. The scores of each domain were used as independent variables. Common carotid intima-media thickness (CCIMT) was used as a dependent variable. Then linear regression models, adjusted by demographic, socioeconomic, and cardiovascular factors, were used.ResultsA total of 9,923 adults (mean age = 51.5 ± 8.9 years, 44% male, 55% white) were examined. In the univariate analysis, better walkability (β = ?0.62, 95% confidence interval [CI]: ?1.01 to ?0.23; p = 0.002) and low witnessed violence (β = ?1.95; 95% CI: ?2.96 to -0.94; p < 0.0001) were associated with lower CCIMT, whereas low personal victimization was associated with higher CCIMT (β = 10.70; 95% CI: 4.55 to 16.85; p = 0.001). A borderline interaction between neighborhood domain and sex was found. Better social cohesion may be associated with larger CCIMT among women, whereas better safety was associated with lower CCIMT among men. Multiple imputation for missing CCIMT data showed similar results.ConclusionsThe perception of living in a more walkable environment and in a neighborhood where people witness fewer violent episodes can provide protection on the early phases of the atherosclerosis process. Less stress and the practice of physical activity may explain the protection.     

National Prevalence of Self-Reported Coronary Heart Disease and Chronic Stable Angina Pectoris: Factor Analysis of the Underlying Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in the SuRFNCD-2011

Background

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is one of the most common causes of mortality worldwide. The national prevalence remains unclear in most of the developing countries.

Stakeholder Engagement in the Translation of a Hypertension Control Program to Guatemala's Public Primary Health Care System: Lessons Learned,Challenges, and Opportunities

BackgroundThere is an urgent need to define appropriate intervention strategies to control blood pressure in low- and middle-income countries. In 2018, a program proven effective in Argentina was translated to Guatemala's public primary health care system in rural and primarily indigenous communities.ObjectivesThis paper describes the stakeholder engagement process used to adapt the program to the Guatemalan rural context prior to implementing a type II hybrid effectiveness-implementation trial and shares lessons learned.MethodsWe identified key differences in the 2 contexts that are relevant to translating the intervention to the Guatemalan context. Alongside interviews and focus group discussions, we conducted consultation workshops in July and August 2018, applying a participatory translation process involving patients, family members, community members, health care providers, and Ministry of Health officials. The process consisted of multiple meetings in Guatemala City, as well as meetings in each of the 5 departments where the study will be implemented, and 1 district per department. During the workshops, we presented the evidence-based experience from Argentina and then focused on the challenges and recommended solutions that the participants identified for each of the intervention's 6 components. The process concluded with a meeting in which the research team and Ministry of Health officials defined specific details of the intervention.ResultsThe outcome of the process is an adapted approach appropriate to integrate into Guatemala's public primary health care system in the trial phase. The approach considers the challenges and recommended strategies for each of the 6 intervention components.ConclusionsWe identified lessons learned, challenges, and opportunities during the adaptation process. Findings will inform ongoing stakeholder engagement during the study implementation and future scale-up and efforts to translate evidence-based hypertension control strategies to low- and middle-income countries globally.     

Healthy Heart Africa–Kenya: A 12-Month Prospective Evaluation of Program Impact on Health Care Providers' Knowledge and Treatment of Hypertension

Background

Given the rising burden of hypertension in Africa, the Healthy Heart Africa program was developed to improve access to quality hypertension care in the primary care setting. The Healthy Heart Africa program provides a comprehensive, coordinated intervention directed at health care providers (HCPs) and the general public.

Effect of a Community Health Worker-Based Approach to Integrated Cardiovascular Risk Factor Control in India: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial

BackgroundEighty percent of premature mortality from cardiovascular disease occurs in low- and middle-income countries. Hypertension, diabetes, and smoking are the top risk factors causing this disease burden.ObjectivesThe study aimed to test the hypothesis that utilizing community health workers (CHWs) to manage hypertension, diabetes and smoking in an integrated manner would lead to improved control of these conditions.MethodsThis was a 2-year cluster (n = 12) randomized controlled trial of 3,556 adults (35 to 70 years of age) in a single town in India, who were screened at home for hypertension, diabetes, and smoking. Of these adults, 1,242 (35%) had at least 1 risk factor (hypertension = 650, diabetes = 317, smoking = 500) and were enrolled in the study. The intervention group had behavioral change communication through regular home visits from community health workers. The control group received usual care in the community. The primary outcomes were changes in systolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, and average number of cigarettes/bidis smoked daily among individuals with respective risk factors.ResultsThe mean ± SD change in systolic blood pressure at 2 years was ?12.2 ± 19.5 mm Hg in the intervention group as compared with ?6.4 ± 26.1 mm Hg in the control group, resulting in an adjusted difference of –8.9 mm Hg (95% confidence interval [CI]: –3.5 to –14.4 mm Hg; p = 0.001). The change in fasting blood glucose was ?43.0 ± 83.5 mg/dl in the intervention group and ?16.3 ± 77.2 mg/dl in the control group, leading to an adjusted difference of –21.3 mg/dl (95% CI: 18.4 to –61 mg/dl; p = 0.29). The change in mean number of cigarettes/bidis smoked was nonsignificant at +0.2 cigarettes/bidis (95% CI: 5.6 to –5.2 cigarettes/bidis; p = 0.93).ConclusionsA population-based strategy of integrated risk factor management through community health workers led to improved systolic blood pressure in hypertension, an inconclusive effect on fasting blood glucose in diabetes, and no demonstrable effect on smoking. (Study of a Community-Based Approach to Control Cardiovascular Risk Factors in India [SEHAT]; NCT02115711).     

Stakeholder Engagement in Planning the Design of a National Needs Assessment for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Management in Nepal

BackgroundThere is growing support for stakeholder engagement in health research, but the actual impact of such engagement has not been well established.ObjectivesThis paper describes the stakeholder engagement process and evaluation during the planning of the national needs assessment for cardiovascular disease in Nepal.MethodsWe used personal and professional networks to identify relevant stakeholders within the 7Ps framework (Patients and the Public, Providers, Purchasers, Payers, Public Policy Makers and Policy Advocates, Product Makers and the Principal Investigators) to develop a plan for assessing cardiovascular health needs in Nepal. We consulted 40 stakeholders through 2 meetings in small groups and a workshop in a large group to develop the study methods, conceptual framework, and stakeholder engagement process. We interviewed 33 stakeholders to receive feedback on the stakeholder engagement process.ResultsWe engaged 80% of the targeted stakeholders through small group discussions and a workshop. Three of 5 recommendations from the small group discussion were aimed at improving the stakeholder engagement process and 2 were aimed to improve the research methods. Eleven of 27 recommendations from the workshop aimed to improve the research methods, 4 aimed to improve stakeholder engagement, and 2 helped to expand the scope of dissemination. Ten were irrelevant or could not be incorporated due to resource limitation. Most stakeholders noted that the workshop provided an open platform for a multisectoral group to colearn from one another and share ideas. Others highlighted that the discussion generated insights to enhance research by incorporating expertise and ideas from different perspectives. The major challenges discussed were about committing the time for engagement.ConclusionsThe stakeholder engagement process positively affected the design of our research. This study provides important insights for future researchers that aim to engage stakeholders in national-level assessment programs in the health care system in the context of Nepal.     

Worsening of the Cardiovascular Profile in a Developing Country: The Greater Beirut Area Cardiovascular Cohort

Background

Lebanon has no established governmental noncommunicable diseases surveillance and monitoring system to permit reporting on noncommunicable diseases rates. The last World Health Organization-supported surveillance report showed worrying trends in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors.

Automated external defibrillation: laboratory evaluation

Twelve samples of ventricular fibrillation were fed into nine automated external defibrillator-pacemakers ( AEDP , "Heart Aid") of recent design. All the devices recognised and defibrillated ventricular fibrillation in seven of the samples within 30 sec. None of the devices reacted to two of the samples; in the remaining three there was inter-device variation ranging from an appropriate response to no response, as well as inappropriate pacing or delay in recognition and treatment. Poor recognition of some ventricular fibrillation waveforms with considerable inter-device variation limits the usefulness of this model. A new prototype responded more consistently and future models may be of value in community resuscitation. The difficulty of evaluating the diagnostic capability of AEDP devices in clinical use makes comprehensive laboratory testing essential prior to release.     

Newham's early years nutrition programme: audit and qualitative analysis

Background

Childhood obesity is a rapidly-growing global concern, with huge impacts on health in childhood and later life. Within the London Borough of Newham, about 25% of children aged 4–5 years and 40% of those aged 10–11 years are overweight. Early intervention strategies are key to targeting childhood obesity. As part of their Childhood Obesity Action Plan, Newham Council, London, introduced an early years nutrition programme in May, 2017. We aimed to assess the implementation of this programme through an audit of Newham's children's centres.

Interactions between hepatotropic viruses in patients with haemophilia

Infections with the hepatotropic viruses non-A, non-B (NANB), hepatitis B (HBV) and delta agent (HDV) are described in two patients with haemophilia. The first patient illustrates the phenomenon of interference following a simultaneous exposure to NANB and HBV. The second patient, a carrier of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), acquired superinfection with HDV which resulted in acute hepatitis progressing to chronic hepatitis. Liver disease seen in multitransfused haemophiliacs may be significantly different to that seen in other patients. As a consequence of the infusion of blood clotting factor concentrates, these patients become the site of complex viral interactions.     

Premature closure of the foramen ovale and hypoplasia of the left heart

Although premature closure of the foramen ovale has been proposed as a possible cause of hypoplastic left heart syndrome, very few such cases have been described. We have seen two examples of the combination and no associated malformations. In both the foramen was firmly closed on its left atrial aspect and the dimensions of the left sided structures were well below normal values.